Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production: Change in Capacity

Written by Brett Linton

February 2, 2016

For the week ending January 30, 2016, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,657,000 net tons of raw steel, a 0.8 percent decrease over the previous week and a 8.3 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 70.7 percent, up from 69.8 percent last week but down from 76.4 percent this time last year.

Note that the the total capacity figure decreased over last week; last weeks estimated capacity was 2,392,550 tons per week while this weeks capacity estimate is 2,343,706 tons, a difference of 48,844 tons or 2.0 percent.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2016 YTD is reported to be 8,013,000 tons, down 11.2 percent from the 9,026,000 tons produced during the same period in 2015. The average capacity utilization rate for 2016 YTD is estimated to be 67.3 percent, down from 76.4 percent for 2015 YTD.

Note that the AISI estimates capability for Q1 2016 to be 30.5 million tons versus 30.4 million tons for the same period last year and 31.4 million tons for the Q4 2015.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 206,000 tons, up 4,000 tons. Great Lakes at 625,000 tons, up 16,000 tons. Midwest at 190,000 tons, up 1,000 tons. South at 563,000 tons, down 31,000 tons. West at 73,000 tons, down 3,000 tons. Total production was 1,657,000 tons, down 13,000 tons.

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing the weekly raw steel production history. To use the graphs interactive capabilities, you must view it on our website. You can do this by clicking here. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by calling 800-432-3475.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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